Vertical Stirred Mill Drive Layout for High Power in Less Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-power vertical agitator mills have a large vertical bulk, complicating installation and maintenance, and are costly due to their size and structural requirements.
Innovation Solution
A drive device with a rotary element comprising a rotary plate perpendicular to the axis, featuring axial and radial bearings to absorb forces, and a modular design with multiple drive pinions and units that allow for misalignment during rotation transmission, reducing the overall vertical footprint and simplifying maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a vertical-axis motor assembly is mounted on a planetary gearbox above the grinding tool, then high power (exceeding 746 kW) can be delivered, but the vertical footprint becomes very large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical arrangement (motor above gearbox) to a horizontal arrangement (motor and gearbox side-by-side). The motor shaft is positioned horizontally adjacent to the vertical grinding tool axis, with the motor shaft axis parallel to and offset from the grinding tool axis. This dimensional reconfiguration reduces vertical footprint while maintaining high power transmission capability through horizontal force components.
2Power
If a vertical-axis motor assembly with planetary gearbox is used, then high power can be delivered, but installation resources and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the motor horizontally adjacent to the vertical grinding tool rather than stacking them vertically, the patent reduces the building height requirements and simplifies structural support needs. This horizontal arrangement eliminates the need for high-rise building housing and reduces installation complexity, directly lowering construction and installation costs while preserving high power delivery.
3Power
If a vertical-axis motor assembly is used, then high power can be delivered, but maintenance operations become complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal positioning of the motor adjacent to the vertical grinding tool creates easier access for maintenance personnel. Instead of working at great heights in a vertical stack, technicians can access both the motor and gearbox at ground or waist level. This spatial reconfiguration simplifies maintenance operations and reduces associated costs while maintaining the high-power capability.
4Force
If the grinding tool is axially supported externally to the gearbox, then rotational forces are absorbed, but the vertical footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the motor shaft horizontally adjacent to the vertical grinding tool axis, with the motor shaft axis parallel to and offset from the grinding tool axis. This horizontal offset arrangement allows the motor to deliver power through horizontal force components that are transmitted to the grinding tool, eliminating the need for external axial support structures and reducing vertical footprint.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables high-power operation with reduced vertical bulk, enhancing installation and maintenance ease while maintaining high crushing forces, and allows for efficient power distribution using moderately sized motors.
Implementation Method 1
The rotating plate is supported by the axial stop, said axial stop being thus adapted to absorb the axial forces exerted on the rotary grinding tool during operation of the vertical agitator mill
Implementation Method 2
the main housing includes a radial bearing suitable for radially guiding the rotating element and for absorbing the radial forces exerted on the rotary grinding tool during operation of the vertical agitator mill
Implementation Method 3
said coupling device having at least one degree of freedom allowing misalignment between the second and third axes when transmitting rotation from the output shaft to the drive pinion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive device (10) for a vertical stirred mill (11), said device comprising: a main housing (24); a motor (50); and a rotating element (28) that can be rotated by said motor about a vertical axis (14); the rotating element being fixed to a rotating milling tool (13) of the vertical stirred mill. The rotating element comprises a substantially horizontal rotating plate (34); and the main housing comprises an axial abutment (36) that can axially guide the rotating element, the rotating plate being arranged such that it rests against said axial abutment, the axial abutment thus being able to absorb the axial efforts exerted on the milling tool during the operation of the vertical stirred mill.